CES 2015: Check out LG and Audi’s webOS-powered smartwatch

LG and Audi have been collaborating on a smartwatch and while it doesn’t yet have a name, we do know a couple of things about it: (a) it’s one of the best-looking wrist-wearables we’ve seen in a while; and (b) unlike LG’s G Watch, it’s not running Android Wear – it’s running webOS.

Yes, AndroidCentral has discovered that the Audi/LG watch will use a modified edition of the Palm-developed webOS operating system – the one LG currently uses to power its smart TVs.

Naturally, there’s an Audi app too, and it’s a highlight. It allows the user to control functions of his or her Audi vehicle: the door can be unlocked via NFC, for instance. It won’t yet let you call your self-driving Audi back to you – but that’s something that can be added in the future, eh?

The watch seems to have its own cellular phone signal, which suggests you’ll be able to make calls directly from it, without the need for a paired smartphone, and its backplate reveals that it’s water resistant and constructed of stainless steel and sapphire crystal. There’s also a “Sounds” setting in the menu, which hints at the presence of a built-in speaker – something Android Wear watches don’t have.

This watch is a prototype, so we should stress that there’s no evidence that it’ll launch in India, or indeed at all – but if not it’s certainly likely to influence future smartwatches. Stay tuned for more news when we get it.